St Vincent’s Older People’s Mental Health Service

St Vincent’s Older People’s Mental Health Service (OPMHS) is a team of clinicians who provide assessment and management of the common mental health problems in older people through the integrated, multidisciplinary perspectives of medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, and occupational therapy.  
 
We see people in the community), including at our outpatient clinic, home visits and visits to Residential Aged Care Facilities. 

We now also have telehealth options available. We also see inpatients admitted to the SVH geriatric ward. 
 
Our team currently comprises of Staff Specialists in Psychogeriatrics, Advanced Psychiatry Trainee, Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Neuropsychologists, and Occupational Therapists.

How we can help? 

Our team offers holistic assessment and management of mental health related issues for older adults. This may range from mild to severe issues and include things such as depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, and a range of other mental illnesses. 

Our team management model ensures patients have access to all of the specialty clinicians in our team. We provide specialist advice and access to medication management, mental health education with an emphasis on promoting recovery, assistance with accessing services and supports, psychotherapy, counselling, neuropsychological/cognitive assessments and functional assessments.

We will also see inpatients at St Vincent's hospital if their treating geriatrician refers them. We offer advice and consultation to the treating medical team.  
We also provide carer and family education and support. 
 

Recovery Programs

We have established a number of award-winning programs, including Club Connect, Club Bright and Psychogeriatric SOS. 
 

Eligibility

  • Community patients will need a referral from their GP
  • Must be 70 years or older
  • Be experiencing mental health concerns

If you are not eligible for our service, we will discuss alternate services with you.